Human stories
Art is often said to be limited only by human imagination. But what happens when a soul is trapped in a body that makes self-expression almost impossible? This article presents how two of the most dedicated individuals experienced and expressed their creativity despite all external and internal obstacles.
**Christy Brown**
Christy Brown was born in 1932 with a severe neurological condition that led to almost complete paralysis of his body. The only limb he could move freely was his left foot. Although at the time many would have chosen to place him in an institution, his parents raised and educated him at home. Their dedication had such a strong impact on him that he also did everything he could to achieve his dream. From his teenage years, he was drawn to the arts and dreamed of becoming a painter. Fate worked against him, but he tried to make the most of his situation. Through immense effort and practice, he learned to use a typewriter and a paintbrush with his left foot. He published a memoir about his daily struggles titled *My Left Foot*, which became an international sensation. After his death in 1981, a film was made based on the work, in which Daniel Day-Lewis portrayed the artist.
**Judith Scott**
Judith Scott was born in 1943 in the U.S. state of Ohio, together with her twin sister. Her story began with particular tragedy: while her sister was born completely healthy, she herself had Down syndrome. At the time, a child with an intellectual disability was considered a great shame for the family. This social pressure was made even more difficult when, due to an illness, the girl became deaf, leaving her unable to communicate verbally. At school, she was declared unteachable, and her parents were advised to place her in an institution. They followed this advice, and Judith was left in a facility for children with disabilities. She lived there in harsh conditions until the age of 42, when her twin sister, after many legal struggles, became her guardian.
After their reunion, her sister introduced her to the world of art, hoping that she would be able to express herself through it. Miraculously, Judith found her own voice through sculpture. At last, she was able to say through her creations the words that had been suppressed within her for so many years. Even she was surprised when the same society that had once been cold and rejecting not only heard her, but came to admire her work with great enthusiasm.
These two incredible life stories are perhaps one of the best proofs that we should never judge others, because if we approach the world around us with openness, we may discover hidden treasures.
**Christy Brown**
Christy Brown was born in 1932 with a severe neurological condition that led to almost complete paralysis of his body. The only limb he could move freely was his left foot. Although at the time many would have chosen to place him in an institution, his parents raised and educated him at home. Their dedication had such a strong impact on him that he also did everything he could to achieve his dream. From his teenage years, he was drawn to the arts and dreamed of becoming a painter. Fate worked against him, but he tried to make the most of his situation. Through immense effort and practice, he learned to use a typewriter and a paintbrush with his left foot. He published a memoir about his daily struggles titled *My Left Foot*, which became an international sensation. After his death in 1981, a film was made based on the work, in which Daniel Day-Lewis portrayed the artist.
**Judith Scott**
Judith Scott was born in 1943 in the U.S. state of Ohio, together with her twin sister. Her story began with particular tragedy: while her sister was born completely healthy, she herself had Down syndrome. At the time, a child with an intellectual disability was considered a great shame for the family. This social pressure was made even more difficult when, due to an illness, the girl became deaf, leaving her unable to communicate verbally. At school, she was declared unteachable, and her parents were advised to place her in an institution. They followed this advice, and Judith was left in a facility for children with disabilities. She lived there in harsh conditions until the age of 42, when her twin sister, after many legal struggles, became her guardian.
After their reunion, her sister introduced her to the world of art, hoping that she would be able to express herself through it. Miraculously, Judith found her own voice through sculpture. At last, she was able to say through her creations the words that had been suppressed within her for so many years. Even she was surprised when the same society that had once been cold and rejecting not only heard her, but came to admire her work with great enthusiasm.
These two incredible life stories are perhaps one of the best proofs that we should never judge others, because if we approach the world around us with openness, we may discover hidden treasures.
